The recent planning report stated: “The applicant had advised during these previous extensions that the economic downturn had adversely affected the housing sector, meaning that NHS Lanarkshire had been unable to secure a developer for the Stonehouse site.

“Interest was expressed as part of a previous marketing exercise, however this did not lead to a concluded missive.

“On the basis that confidence is returning to the Scottish housing market, the site was re-marketed with a closing date of April 2016.

“The applicant has advised that this marketing exercise has elicited enquiries from several house builders who have expressed interest on the basis that the extant permission is retained.”

It continued: “The site remains allocated within the Local Development Plan as a housing land site with Policy 12 setting out that the council will support residential development.

“It is considered that there have not been any significant material changes in circumstances since planning permission was granted in 2007 to suggest the site is no longer suitable for residential development.”

Residents around the site were notified, though the report notes that no representations were received in relation to the application.

However, Stonehouse Community Council raised concerns.

The report read: “Stonehouse Community Council have raised concerns due to the lack of development in the last seven years.

“They consider that the consent should not be extended as it is prohibiting further development within the village of Stonehouse as the approved layout contains as high number of residential units.

“Also as the local development plan is out for further consultation extending this consent would effectively restrict further land development opportunities within Stonehouse.”

However, the report, signed off by delegating officer Steven Clark, concludes: “Whilst these matters are noted, I am satisfied that there is nothing from a planning perspective that would indicate that a different decision to that previously made should be reached.

The Stonehouse Hospital site

“Furthermore from a sustainability perspective and in order to reduce pressure on the established greenbelt, the redevelopment of brownfield sites within an existing built up area is more preferable in land use terms than new greenfield development.

“It is considered that the proposal complies with local development plan policy.

“I would therefore raise no objection to the application and consider that planning permission should be granted.”

A spokesman for the health board said: “NHS Lanarkshire is required to market vacant land in line with the NHS Property Transactions Handbook.

“We are continuing to work with the Scottish Futures Trust in relation to vacant land at Stonehouse Hospital to obtain the best outcome on behalf of the Scottish Ministers.”